HARROWING stories of children injured in war zones around the world has sparked a marathon fundraising effort.

While working as a terrorism analyst in London, Tom Worsley heard of the horrific injuries suffered by children.

After leaving his job, the 25-year old, of Denmark Road, Churchtown, took to the road to help them, cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for War Child. So far he has raised over £900.

Tom, a former pupil at Christ the King, Southport, decided to make the trip on his own, braving torrential rain and storm-force winds in a three-week trip starting on October 3.

He said: “One day, I was up near Aidrie in Scotland and it rained for the entire day. I’ve never been so wet through. The Forest of Dean was beautiful though, as well as parts of Scotland.

“It is more of a challenge to do it on your own. All through life you are doing things in teams.”

To help raise some extra cash, Tom offered “comedic concessions” for anyone who donated £50 or more.

He said: “For one day on the road, I said people could tell me what to wear.

“My brother wanted me to wear pink, my dad wanted me in a Scottish hat, and my grandma said I should wear a tutu, so that’s what I did.”

Tom, who set off on his solo trip on a bike bought through a ‘cycle to work’ scheme, explained his reasons behind choosing War Child as his charity.

The graduate of Kings College, London, said: “Children are the innocent victims of terrorist activity and in war zones.

“They need our help, however that can be given. If anyone feels able to donate even a pound, the money will go directly to helping them.”

Although this was Tom’s first major bike ride, it is set to be the first of many. He is currently planning a trip across the US and Canada.